Building another new tank....

[SRC]

Ok, well as most of you know I built myself a divided tank for my "boys" but then I got some "girls" and well...now I have more girls lol.

Boys Tank (but it has giiiiirls in it *eeew girls** lol)

I recently got 4 more to add to the previous 3 (now 2 though ) I had gotten from Kelly. So they are chilling out on my back desk in their 1 gallon Aquaviews...but I really don't want 4 1 gallon tanks sitting back there..all the cords are kinda messy and I have to change water twice a week...so I decided to build a tank just for the girls "no boys allowed" lol.

I'm going to try and make it look as natural as possible..while still keeping them seperated (I have a few that are just way to aggressive and don't wanna risk it) but where they can still "see" each other a times.

Not gonna make this one quite the same way though...the partitions will be clear and there will be no removable opaque divider...but instead I am going to use grass (fake grass btw...from the craft store) so they can "get away" when they so desire.

Still waiting on a few return e-mails on some stuff..but I'm going to order the plexiglass Friday so I can get it and start working on it. This one shouldn't take quite as long as the first one .

The tank will be 18 gallons and the dimensions are 30L x 13W x 10.5H and will house 6 girlies. (the boys tank is 22 gallons 36L x 12W x 10.5H and houses 8 )

For those with good immagination ....

**that means I'll have room for 3 more boys btw..if you didn't notice lol **

 

[Andie]

Wow, that looks like it would just be fun to build, let alone stock! I wish I was even a tiny bit mechanically inclined so I could do something similar, but alas, I even burn myself on the low-watt kiddie glue-gun we have

Do you tend to completely design your own plans, or do you take a standard aquarium design and modify it to suit your own needs? I saw a DIY article on making an aquarium but halfway through I just knew I'd never be able to manage it . . . a shame, too, since it must be so much lighter than a glass one. Post some pics when you get it underway- I'd love to watch the construction process!

 

[SRC]

Well all tanks are based on a previously made tank. But all tanks are just 5 walls (4 sides and a bottom). I did designed the inside though.

here's the progress of my BOY tank.
http/photobucket.com/albums/b70/JenniesB...oys/Tanks/Boys/

As soon as my supplies get here I will document the GIRL one as well. Thanks for asking.

 

[SRC]

ok....so I ordered my plexi and it's being cut.

In the mean time I started on teh background and caves...like I said I was gonna try to make it look "natural". lol

Now, take in mind these are "rough" and I haven't finished them yet...but I thought I'd share these with you.

The lines you see are whee the 1/8" plexi dividers will be placed.


This is one of the caves I have finished....

and this is what it started out as...

I am covered in green shavings lmao..it's all over me. And I'll be the first to tell you...this STUFF ITCHES .

 

[Alix]

im jelous

 

[SRC]

Well I got one of the caves half painted...still needs another coat and more shading...but you get the idea.

 

[Alix]

wish i had creativity like that ...thats really neet. i wanna see the finished product

 

[sarahw20000]

Whats your cave and background made out of?

It looks really good

 

[SRC]

Thanks.

They are made from Floral styrofoam.

After I get them painted they will get several coats of epoxy resin, then they will cure for about 2 weeks (to remove any possible toxicity from them).

 

[Naughtygirlrlw]

You are so freakin' talented SRC!! I am so jealous!
It is going to look wonderful...How long will the whole project take?
*silently curses her parents for not being born an heiress or a genius* LOL

 

[Alix]

my betta by the comp is even jelous.
betta says "look at that!!! hes making one of the most elaborate tanks ever an you have me in a 1gal aquaview an your idea of decore is gravel an a plant PAH I SPIT ON PLANT!!!...wait that was a bubble. just a minute ill get it right in a sec"

 

[SRC]

lol..thanks...I'm sure your fish are just happy they aren't in a cup of rotting fish food .

So far I have spent 20 hours on it. That was for carving out the back, 2 sides, and those 2 caves. I still need to paint them and then coat them with epoxy. So that will probably be another 10 hours, approx...then 2 weeks to cure lol.

 

[Alix]

my fish is quite a character thoe. thats why i got him by the comp, so that hes never alone cuz the comp is right by where ppl sit to watch tv. an he likes attention. i even too him to my grandmums(2 hour car drive) for 4 days cuz(im sure you all know about my step bro) i dont want my betta getting screwed with. an while we were at grandmums i founds a old school 1.5g goldfish bowl with like the flat front an rounded sides i think he is happy. but still jelous.
how much is this costing you? i might wanna try something simaler with a 10gal. an what size tank are you decorating?

 

[SRC]

mmm let's see.....


Well this is going to be a 18-20 gal tank..and I'm building it so...


plexiglass $90
(includes shipping..and it's already cut to my pre-measured requirements)

Acrylic Hinges $10

2 10gal Filters $20

Plants $25
(includes shipping)

Floral Foam $20

Latex Paints $15

Epoxy Resin $15

Heater $15

Liquid Nails $5

Carving Tools $15

all for a Grand Total of $230.

This includes:

20 gal Acrylic Tank
2 10 gal Filters
Background
Heater
Plants

Not too shabby IMHO.

 

[Alix]

Kiyoshi Kujo might just make me spend the 100$ i made this weekend on some stuff to set up a 10gal like that
i love this fish more then any fish ive ever had. hes a freek its soooo funny. i like your boys set up. wish i had money to spend on stuff like that.